JP6656839B2 - washing machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a cleaning machine for cleaning an object to be cleaned using water stored in a cleaning tank.

  Dishwasher having an initial hot water supply step in which water in a hot water storage tank is supplied to a cleaning tank by a rinsing pump before the object to be cleaned is washed, and a water level in the cleaning tank is set to a predetermined water level (for example, Patent Document 1) It has been known. As the same type of dishwasher, a washing water heater that keeps the water in the washing tank, a hot water heater that keeps the water in the hot water tank, and a constant water level that detects that the water in the hot water tank reaches the specified water level Some include a switch and an overflow switch that detects an abnormality that may occur due to a failure of a water valve or the like that supplies water to the hot water storage tank (detects that an abnormal water level has been reached).

  In such a dishwasher, when the constant water level switch in the hot water storage tank detects water (constant water level switch ON) in the initial hot water supply, the rinsing pump operates to supply the water in the hot water storage tank to the cleaning tank. At the same time, water is supplied to the hot water storage tank until the water valve is opened and the constant water level switch is turned on. The hot water storage heater is controlled to operate only when the constant water level switch is ON to prevent empty heating, and the cleaning water heater is controlled so as not to operate until the initial hot water supply is completed.

JP-A-11-318796

  However, in the above-mentioned conventional dishwashing machine, the operation frequency of the rinsing pump increases. For example, at the time of initial hot water supply, the rinsing pump operates at the same time as the constant water level switch is turned on, so that the constant water level switch is immediately turned off. Become. That is, there is almost no time during which the hot water heater operates. For this reason, at the time of initial hot water supply, although the hot water storage tank is provided with the hot water storage heater, the water in the hot water storage tank is hardly heated. As a result, the temperature of the cleaning water is raised to a predetermined temperature only by the cleaning water heater provided in the cleaning tank, and it takes time to start the cleaning.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine capable of increasing the temperature of water supplied to a washing room by effectively utilizing a heater arranged in a hot water storage tank.

  The washing machine of the present invention includes an initial hot water supply step of supplying water from a hot water storage tank to a cleaning tank by operating a rinsing pump, and cleaning an object to be cleaned stored in a cleaning chamber using the water stored in the cleaning tank. And a rinsing step of rinsing the object to be cleaned using the water stored in the hot water storage tank, and detects that the water stored in the hot water storage tank is at the first water level. A first detection unit, a second detection unit that detects that the water stored in the hot water storage tank is a second water level higher than the first water level, and a hot water storage tank based on the presence or absence of detection in the first detection unit. A heater that heats the stored water, a first mode that enables the start of a rinsing step when the water in the hot water storage tank is at or above the first water level, and an initial hot water supply when the water in the hot water storage tank is at or above the second water level A second mode that allows the process to start Ri replaced and a control unit.

  In the washing machine having this configuration, if the mode is switched from the first mode to the second mode, the rinsing pump does not operate from the first water level to the second water level. Thus, the heater operates until the water level in the hot water storage tank reaches the second water level from the first water level. Further, even after the water level in the hot water storage tank reaches the second water level and the initial hot water supply step is started, the heater operates until the water level in the hot water storage tank decreases from the second water level to the first water level. As described above, by switching from the first mode to the second mode, the time during which the heater operates is lengthened. As a result, the temperature of the water supplied to the cleaning room can be increased by effectively utilizing the heater disposed in the hot water storage tank.

  The washing machine of the present invention further includes a notifying unit that notifies that there is an abnormality in the supply unit that supplies water to the hot water storage tank, and in the first mode, the control unit determines that the water in the hot water storage tank reaches the second water level. In this case, the notification unit may be notified of the abnormality, and in the second mode, the notification unit may not be notified of the abnormality even when the water in the hot water storage tank reaches the second water level.

  The washing machine is provided with a detection unit for detecting a second water level higher than the first water level, and when this detection unit detects the water level, a water valve or the like for flowing water into the hot water storage tank fails. Some have a function to determine that the supply of water to the hot water storage tank has become uncontrollable and to report an abnormality. In the washing machine having this configuration, the detection unit for detecting an abnormality of the water valve or the like can be used as the second detection unit, so that it can be realized at low cost.

  In the washing machine of the present invention, the washing machine further includes a third detection unit that detects that the water stored in the washing tank is equal to or higher than a specified water level, and the control unit performs an initial hot water supply step when there is no detection by the third detection unit. May be performed.

  In the washing machine having this configuration, water can be supplied to the washing tank at an appropriate timing.

  In the washing machine of the present invention, the initial hot water supply step may be performed by operating the rinsing pump a plurality of times.

  Here, one operation of the rinsing pump means that the rinsing pump operates for a predetermined time, and the predetermined time refers to a time during which the rinsing pump operates when one rinsing step is performed. In the cleaning machine having this configuration, it is possible to store water in the cleaning tank with easy control.

  In the washing machine of the present invention, the control unit switches from the second mode to the first mode when the second detection unit stops detecting water after starting the last operation in the plurality of operations of the rinsing pump. You may.

  In the cleaning machine having this configuration, it is possible to smoothly switch from the second mode to the first mode at an appropriate timing.

  In the washing machine of the present invention, when the rinsing pump is operating, the control unit may stop the operation of the heater after a lapse of a predetermined time after the first detection unit stops detecting water.

  In the washing machine having this configuration, in a state where the water level of the water stored in the hot water storage tank is decreasing, the operation of the heater is not stopped immediately even when the water level reaches the first water level. Thereby, the operation time of the heater can be further lengthened.

  In the washing machine of the present invention, the control unit measures the time when the water level falls to the first water level from the start of the initial hot water supply step in the second mode, and based on the measured time, controls the heater from the first water level. It is also possible to predict the time required for the water level to drop to the safe water level, which is the water level for preventing the empty firing, and determine the timing to stop the operation of the heater based on the predicted time.

  Since the amount of water supplied to the washing tank by the rinsing pump per unit time is larger than the amount of water supplied from the water source to the hot water tank per unit time, when water is supplied from the hot water tank to the washing chamber, the water level in the hot water tank is Gradually decreases. In the cleaning machine having this configuration, since the time actually required for the water level to fall from the second water level to the first water level is measured, it is possible to avoid the occurrence of empty heating by the heater. Further, even when the water supply pressure from the water source differs depending on the installation location, it is necessary for the water level to drop from the second water level to the first water level based on the characteristics of the equipment and the like (for example, the water supply amount per unit time). Since the time is not calculated but based on the actual time required, the time required for the water level to drop to the security water level is accurately calculated.

  According to the present invention, an object of the present invention is to increase the temperature of water supplied to a cleaning room by effectively utilizing a heater disposed in a hot water storage tank.

It is a figure showing the schematic structure of the dishwasher concerning one embodiment. It is a functional block diagram which shows the functional structure of the dishwasher of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows a series of operation | movement in the initial hot water supply mode of the dishwasher which concerns on one Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows a series of operation | movement in the normal mode of the dishwasher which concerns on one Embodiment. It is a flow chart which shows control of the rinse water heater of the dishwasher concerning one embodiment.

  Hereinafter, a dishwasher (washing machine) according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same elements will be denoted by the same reference symbols, without redundant description. The dimensional ratios in the drawings do not always match.

  The dishwasher 1 shown in FIG. 1 is a so-called door-type dishwasher. The door-type dishwasher includes an undercounter-type dishwasher in which a door is provided on the front side of a main body, and a dishwasher in which a door is opened and closed up and down. The dishwasher 1 has a main body case 2 made of stainless steel. The inside of the main body case 2 functions as a cleaning room R for accommodating the tableware (the object to be cleaned) D and performing cleaning.

  An operation panel 3 is provided in the main body case 2. The operation panel 3 allows the user to perform an operation for inputting an operation mode and settings. The operation panel 3 is provided with a buzzer (notification unit) 3A. The buzzer 3A is provided to operate (notify) when the water stored in the hot water storage tank 18 reaches the overflow water level H2, for example.

  The main body case 2 is provided with a door 4 for taking the tableware D in and out of the washing room R. A rack rail (not shown) is provided in the washing room R, and a tableware rack (not shown) on which tableware D is arranged is placed on the rack rail.

  An upper cleaning nozzle 5 composed of three radially extending arms and an upper rinsing nozzle 6 composed of two arms are rotatably arranged in the upper part of the cleaning chamber R. Similarly, a lower cleaning nozzle 7 including three radially extending arms and a lower rinsing nozzle 8 including two arms are rotatably disposed in the lower portion of the cleaning chamber R. Thereby, the washing water is jetted from above and below by the upper washing nozzle 5 and the lower washing nozzle 7 to the tableware D arranged in the dish rack in the washing process, and by the upper rinsing nozzle 6 and the lower rinsing nozzle 8 in the rinsing process. Since the rinsing water is sprayed from above and below, washing and rinsing of the tableware D is performed efficiently.

  A cleaning tank 9 for storing cleaning water is formed below the cleaning chamber R configured as described above. The washing tank 9 is provided with a water level detecting switch (water level detecting unit) 10 for detecting the level of the washing water. The water level detection switch (third detection unit) 10 is a switch that is turned on when the water level in the cleaning tank 9 is equal to or higher than a safe water level (specified water level) and turned off when the water level is lower than the safe water level. Examples of the water level detection switch 10 include a float switch and a sensor such as an electrode sensor.

  An overflow pipe 53 is connected to the bottom surface 9a of the cleaning tank 9. The overflow pipe 53 discharges excess washing water to the outside when the overflow water level is exceeded. The washing water that has flowed into the overflow pipe 53 from the upper end of the overflow pipe 53 is discharged to the outside. The cleaning water in the cleaning tank 9 is kept at a specified water level.

  A cleaning pump 14 is connected to a side surface of the cleaning tank 9 via a cleaning water suction pipe 13. A pump filter 12 is provided in a portion of the cleaning tank 9 to which the cleaning water suction pipe 13 is attached. A cleaning water discharge pipe 15 is connected to a discharge port of the cleaning pump 14. The cleaning water discharge pipe 15 branches into a first cleaning water discharge pipe 16 and a second cleaning water discharge pipe 17. The first cleaning water discharge pipe 16 is connected to the upper cleaning nozzle 5. The second cleaning water discharge pipe 17 is connected to the lower cleaning nozzle 7.

  The washing tank 9 is provided with a washing water heater 11 for heating the washing water in order to improve the washing ability and the sterilizing ability.

  The dishwasher 1 has a hot water storage tank 18 in which rinsing water is stored. Rinse water is supplied to the hot water storage tank 18 from an external water heater (not shown) via a hot water supply pipe 21. The hot water supply pipe 21 is provided with a strainer 19 and a water valve (supply unit) 20. The strainer 19 is provided to prevent foreign matter from flowing into the water valve 20. Water valve 20 adjusts the flow rate of water flowing through hot water supply pipe 21. That is, the flow rate of water flowing into hot water storage tank 18 is adjusted.

  A rinsing pump 25 is connected to the hot water storage tank 18 via a rinsing water suction pipe 24. A rinsing water discharge pipe 26 is connected to a discharge port of the rinsing pump 25. The rinsing water discharge pipe 26 branches into a first rinsing water discharge pipe 27 and a second rinsing water discharge pipe 28. The first rinsing water discharge pipe 27 is connected to the upper rinsing nozzle 6. The second rinsing water discharge pipe 28 is connected to the lower rinsing nozzle 8.

  A rinsing water heater 22, a water temperature sensor 23, a constant water level switch (first detection unit) 71, and an overflow switch (second detection unit) 72 are provided inside the hot water storage tank 18.

  The rinsing water heater 22 heats the water stored in the hot water storage tank 18. Water temperature sensor 23 detects the temperature of the water stored in hot water storage tank 18. The rinsing water heater 22 and the water temperature sensor 23 are connected to the microcomputer 60 by signal lines. The microcomputer 60 receives the detection signal from the water temperature sensor 23 and detects the water temperature in the hot water storage tank 18. The microcomputer 60 outputs a temperature increase signal for operating the rinsing water heater 22 to the rinsing water heater 22 based on the water temperature. The rinsing water heater 22 to which the temperature increase signal has been input heats the water stored in the hot water storage tank 18. The rinsing water heater 22 may be activated after a predetermined time has elapsed after the input of a signal, or may be operated by the control unit in order to prevent a failure or the like due to repeated activation at short time intervals. It may be operated at intervals. In the present embodiment, such a heater may be applied.

  Constant water level switch 71 detects water in hot water storage tank 18 reaching constant water level (first water level) H1. The overflow switch 72 detects water in the hot water storage tank 18 that has reached an overflow water level (second water level) H2 higher than the constant water level H1. The constant water level switch 71 is connected to the microcomputer 60 by a signal line. When the water level in the hot water storage tank 18 reaches the constant water level H1, the constant water level switch 71 outputs a detection signal to the microcomputer 60. The microcomputer 60 receives the detection signal from the constant water level switch 71 and determines whether or not the water level in the hot water storage tank 18 has reached the constant water level H1. Similarly, the overflow switch 72 is connected to the microcomputer 60 by a signal line. When the water level in the hot water storage tank 18 reaches the overflow water level H2, the overflow switch 72 outputs a detection signal to the microcomputer 60. The microcomputer 60 receives the detection signal from the overflow switch 72 and determines whether or not the water level in the hot water storage tank 18 has reached the overflow water level H2.

  The dishwasher 1 is provided with an external detergent supply pump 32. The detergent supply pump 32 is a bellows pump for supplying the detergent stored in the detergent tank 33 to the cleaning room R. The detergent supply pump 32 is connected to a detergent discharge pipe 34 connected to a side wall of the cleaning chamber R, and is connected to the microcomputer 60 by a signal line. The detergent supply pump 32 operates according to a signal output from the microcomputer 60, sucks the detergent in the detergent tank 33 from the connected detergent suction pipe 35, and discharges a predetermined amount of the detergent to the detergent discharge pipe 34. This detergent is provided at the tip of the detergent discharge pipe 34 and is discharged into the cleaning chamber R from a detergent discharge port 36 that connects the cleaning chamber R and the detergent discharge pipe 34. The detergent discharged into the cleaning chamber R flows into the cleaning tank 9 below the cleaning chamber R and is mixed with the cleaning water.

  An external rinse agent supply pump 37 is attached to the dishwasher 1. The rinsing agent supply pump 37 is for supplying the rinsing agent stored in the rinsing agent tank 38 to the rinsing water channel. The rinse agent supply pump 37 is connected to a rinse agent discharge tube 39 communicating with the first rinse water discharge tube 27, and is connected to the microcomputer 60 by a signal line. The rinsing agent supply pump 37 operates in accordance with a signal output from the microcomputer 60, sucks the rinsing agent in the rinsing agent tank 38 from the connected rinsing agent suction tube 40, and discharges the rinsing agent to the rinsing agent discharge tube 39. I do. The rinsing agent is discharged from the rinsing agent discharge pipe 39 to the rinsing water passage in the rinsing water discharge pipe 26 by the rinsing agent supply pump 37, and is mixed with the rinsing water.

  The dishwasher 1 is provided with an electrical box 60A in which a microcomputer 60 for controlling the overall operation of the dishwasher 1 is built. The microcomputer 60 is a computer system or a processor mounted on an integrated circuit. The microcomputer 60 is a part that controls various operations in the dishwasher 1, and is connected to each other such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and a RAM (Random Access Memory). As shown in FIG. 2, the microcomputer 60 includes a mode switching unit 61 as a conceptual part that executes various control processes in the dishwasher 1, a water supply control unit 62, and a heater control unit 63. ing. For such a conceptual part, for example, a program stored in a ROM is loaded on a RAM and executed by a CPU.

  The mode switching unit 61 switches between a normal mode (first mode) and an initial hot water supply mode (second mode) for a control method of each unit when the water in the hot water storage tank 18 is supplied to the cleaning room R. In the present embodiment, the mode switching unit 61 switches from the normal mode to the initial hot water supply mode at the time of initial hot water supply in which the water in the hot water storage tank 18 is supplied to the cleaning tank 9 in order to store the cleaning water in the cleaning tank 9 when the power is turned on. Switch. When the initial hot water supply ends, mode switching section 61 switches to the original normal mode.

  Here, in the normal mode, the rinsing process can be started when the water in the hot water storage tank 18 is equal to or higher than the fixed water level H1, and the buzzer 3A is notified when the water in the hot water storage tank 18 reaches the overflow water level H2. Mode. The initial hot water supply mode does not enable the start of the initial hot water supply step even when the water in the hot water storage tank 18 is at or above the fixed water level H1, and when the water in the hot water storage tank 18 reaches the overflow water level H2, In this mode, the buzzer 3A can be started even when the water in the hot water storage tank 18 reaches the overflow water level H2.

  The water supply control unit 62 controls the rinsing pump 25, the water valve 20, based on the mode (the normal mode or the initial hot water supply mode) set by the mode switching unit 61 and the detection by the constant water level switch 71 and the overflow switch 72. The buzzer 3A is controlled.

  The heater control unit 63 controls the operation of the rinsing water heater 22 that heats the water stored in the hot water storage tank 18 based on the presence or absence of the detection by the constant water level switch 71. In this embodiment, the heater control unit 63 activates the rinsing water heater 22 when the constant water level switch 71 detects water, and activates the rinsing water heater 22 when the constant water level switch 71 does not detect water. Do not operate.

  Next, an operation of supplying water to the cleaning chamber R in the present embodiment will be described mainly with reference to FIG. In the dishwasher 1, a washing operation in which the washing process and the rinsing process of the dish D are one cycle is performed. First, the operation of supplying water to the cleaning chamber R in the initial hot water supply process will be described.

  The user turns on the power of the dishwasher 1 (step S1). At the time of turning on the power of the dishwasher 1, the water supply control method is set to the “normal mode”. Next, the water supply control unit 62 checks whether or not the water level detection switch 10 arranged in the washing tank 9 has detected water (step S2). Here, when the water level detection switch 10 detects water, the normal mode is maintained as it is (step S2: NO).

  Here, when the water level detection switch 10 has not detected water, the mode switching unit 61 switches the water supply control method to the “initial hot water supply mode” (step S3). Next, the water supply control unit 62 determines whether or not the water in the hot water storage tank 18 is at the overflow water level H2 based on whether or not the overflow switch 72 has detected the water (step S4). Here, when the water supply control unit 62 determines that the water stored in the hot water storage tank 18 does not reach the overflow water level H2 (step S4: NO), the water valve 20 is controlled to supply the water to the hot water storage tank 18 (step S4). Step S5). At the same time when the power is turned on, the water supply control unit 62 may control the water valve 20 to supply water to the hot water storage tank 18.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the water stored in the hot water storage tank 18 is at the overflow water level H2 (the constant water level switch 71 is in the ON state) (step S4: YES), the water supply control unit 62 stores the hot water in the water valve 20. The supply of water to the tank 18 is stopped. That is, the water supply control unit 62 controls to close the water valve 20 (step S6). In the initial hot water supply mode, even if the water supply control unit 62 determines that the water level is at the overflow water level H2, the buzzer 3A does not notify the alarm sound.

  Also, when it is determined that the water stored in hot water storage tank 18 is at overflow water level H2 (constant water level switch 71 is in the ON state) (step S4: YES), water supply control unit 62 simultaneously performs the initial hot water supply process. Start, in other words, the operation start of the rinsing pump 25 is enabled. That is, the water supply control unit 62 can transmit a rinsing start signal for executing one rinsing step. The rinsing pump 25 to which the rinsing start signal has been input starts to be started (step S7). As a result, the rinsing water stored in the hot water storage tank 18 is pressure-fed to the upper and lower rinsing nozzles 6 and 8 via the first and second rinsing water discharge pipes 27 and 28, and is washed from the respective rinsing nozzles 6 and 8. The fuel is injected into the chamber R. The rinsing water (for example, 2 L of rinsing water) injected into the cleaning chamber R flows below the cleaning chamber R and is supplied into the cleaning tank 9.

  When the supply of water to the cleaning chamber R by the rinsing pump 25 is started in step S7, the amount of water in the hot water storage tank 18 decreases, and the overflow switch 72 does not detect water. That is, when determining that the amount of water in the hot water storage tank 18 has fallen below the overflow water level H2, the water supply control unit 62 opens the valve of the water valve 20 again to start supplying water to the hot water storage tank 18. Note that the amount of water supplied by the water valve 20 is smaller than the amount of water supplied by the rinsing pump 25. For this reason, when both the water valve 20 and the rinsing pump 25 operate after step S7, the water in the hot water storage tank 18 decreases.

  Next, when the operation of the rinsing pump in step S7 is stopped, the water supply control unit 62 determines whether or not the number of operations of the rinsing pump 25 has reached the number of times (for example, 28 times) as an initial hot water supply step (for example, 28 times). Step S8).

  Here, when the water supply control unit 62 determines that the number of times of operation of the rinsing pump 25 has not reached the number of times as the initial hot water supply step (step S8: NO), the process returns to step S4, and the number of times of operation of the rinse pump 25 is reduced. Steps S4 to S7 are repeated until the number of times as the initial hot water supply step is reached. On the other hand, when the water supply control unit 62 determines that the number of times of operation of the rinsing pump 25 has reached the number of times as the initial hot water supply step (step S8: YES), the mode switching unit 61 determines that the overflow switch 72 has detected water. After confirming that there is no water supply (step S9: YES), the water supply control method is switched from the "initial hot water supply mode" to the "normal mode" (step S10).

  Specifically, the mode switching unit 61 monitors the presence or absence of the detection of the overflow switch 72 after starting the operation of the last rinsing pump 25 as an initial hot water supply step, and the water level of the hot water storage tank 18 is higher than the overflow water level H2. After waiting for a drop, that is, when the overflow switch 72 no longer detects water, the water supply control method is switched from the “initial hot water supply mode” to the “normal mode”. By executing steps S1 to S10, the water supply process at the time of initial hot water supply ends.

  Next, the operation of supplying water to the washing chamber R in the rinsing step after washing the tableware D will be described mainly with reference to FIG. In the dishwasher 1, the water supply control method is set to the "normal mode" except for the initial hot water supply step. Therefore, the operation of supplying water to the cleaning chamber R in the rinsing step is performed in the “normal mode”.

  In the normal mode, the water supply control unit 62 determines whether or not the water stored in the hot water storage tank 18 is at the constant water level H1 (Step S21). When it is determined that the water stored in the hot water storage tank 18 is not at the constant water level H1 (step S21: NO), the water valve 20 is controlled to supply water to the hot water storage tank 18 (step S22). On the other hand, when it is determined that the water stored in the hot water storage tank 18 is at the constant water level H1 (step S21: YES), the water valve 20 is controlled to stop the supply of water to the hot water storage tank 18 ( Step S23).

  In the normal mode, the water supply control unit 62 constantly monitors whether or not the water stored in the hot water storage tank 18 has reached the overflow water level H2 (step S24). If it is determined that the water stored in the hot water storage tank 18 has reached the overflow water level H2 (step S24: YES), the buzzer 3A is notified of the abnormality (step S27), and a series of processing ends. .

  When the water stored in the hot water storage tank 18 has not reached the overflow water level H2 (step S24: NO), the water supply control unit 62 monitors whether or not a rinsing operation signal has been input (step S25). Here, when there is no input of the rinsing operation signal (step S25: NO), the process returns to step S21, and the water supply control unit 62 waits until the next rinsing operation signal is input. If the power is turned off while waiting for the input of the rinsing operation signal, a series of processing ends.

  When the rinsing operation signal is input (step S25: YES), the water supply control unit 62 enables the start of the rinsing process, in other words, the start of the operation of the rinsing pump 25 (step S29). Specifically, the water supply control unit 62 operates the rinsing pump 25 to supply the water stored in the hot water storage tank 18 to the cleaning room R. As a result, the rinsing water stored in the hot water storage tank 18 is pressure-fed to the upper and lower rinsing nozzles 6 and 8 via the first and second rinsing water discharge pipes 27 and 28, and the tableware is supplied from the respective rinsing nozzles 6 and 8. Injected toward D. The rinsing water (for example, 2 L of rinsing water) injected into the tableware D flows below the cleaning chamber R and is supplied into the cleaning tank 9. Meanwhile, the water supply control unit 62 waits until the next rinsing operation signal is input. If the power is turned off while waiting for the input of the rinsing operation signal, a series of processing ends.

  Next, control of the rinsing water heater 22 in the dishwasher 1 will be described mainly with reference to FIG. The rinsing water heater 22 is uniformly controlled in the “initial hot water supply mode” or the “normal mode”. The heater control unit 63 monitors whether or not water is detected by the constant water level switch 71 (step S41). When water is not stored up to the constant water level H1, that is, when the constant water level switch 71 does not detect water (step S41: NO), the heater control unit 63 does not operate the rinsing water heater 22 (step S42). On the other hand, when the water is stored at least to the constant water level H1, that is, when the constant water level switch 71 is detecting (step S41: YES), the heater control unit 63 activates the rinsing water heater 22 and stores the hot water. Control is performed so that the temperature of the water in the tank 18 is supplied to the cleaning chamber R as rinsing water (step S43).

  The heater control unit 63 performs control from step S41 to step S43 from when the power of the dishwasher 1 is turned on until the power is turned off (step S44: NO). When the power of the dishwasher 1 is turned off (step S44: YES), a series of processing ends.

  Next, the operation and effect of the dishwasher 1 of the above embodiment will be described. In the dishwasher 1 of the above embodiment, if the mode is switched from the normal mode to the initial hot water supply mode, the initial hot water supply step is not started from the constant water level H1 to the overflow water level H2. Thereby, the time until the water level of the hot water storage tank 18 reaches the overflow water level H2 from the constant water level H1 is heated by the rinsing water heater 22. Further, even after the overflow water level is reached and the supply of water by the rinsing pump 25 is started, the time until the overflow water level H2 decreases to the constant water level H1 is heated by the rinsing water heater 22. As described above, by switching from the normal mode to the initial hot water supply mode, the time for which the rinsing water heater 22 is heated is increased. As a result, the temperature of the water supplied to the cleaning room R can be increased by effectively utilizing the rinsing water heater 22 disposed in the hot water storage tank 18.

  Further, in such a dishwasher, in order to prevent the rinsing water heater 22 from being idled, the rinsing water is provided by newly providing a security water level switch for detecting a security water level which is lower than the constant water level H1. It is conceivable to extend the operation time of the heater 22. In the dishwasher 1 of the present embodiment, the operation time of the rinsing water heater 22 can be lengthened without separately providing such a security water level switch and the like, so that the dishwasher 1 can be configured at low cost.

  Furthermore, in the above embodiment, since the overflow switch 72 for detecting the abnormality of the water valve 20 is used as the second detection unit, the apparatus can be configured at low cost.

  In the above-described embodiment, the water supply control unit 62 confirms that the overflow water level has stopped at the overflow water level H2 after starting the last operation of the plurality of operations of the rinsing pump 25 at the time of initial hot water supply. Switching to mode. That is, after the last operation of the rinsing pump 25, even if the overflow switch 72 no longer detects water, the water valve 20 is controlled not to be opened, and the rinsing water heater 22 is controlled by the constant water level switch 71 to detect water. Control to operate only when Thereby, it is possible to smoothly switch from the initial hot water supply mode to the normal mode at an appropriate timing.

  Although one embodiment has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

<Modification 1>
In the dishwasher 1 of the above embodiment, in the initial hot water supply mode, when the constant water level switch 71 detects that there is no water, the control for immediately stopping the operation of the rinsing water heater 22 has been described as an example. The invention is not limited to this. For example, when the rinsing pump 25 is operating in the initial hot water supply mode, the water supply control unit 62 stops the operation of the rinsing water heater 22 after a predetermined time has elapsed since the constant water level switch 71 no longer detects water. It may be controlled.

  Note that the predetermined time is “the difference between the amount of water supplied to the cleaning chamber R per unit time by the rinsing pump 25 and the amount of water supplied to the hot water storage tank 18” and “the amount of time that the rinsing water heater 22 is not fired. The water level may be calculated based on the predicted time required for the water level to drop from the fixed water level H1 to the security water level, which is calculated from the “security water level that is the water level and the water level difference between the fixed water level H1”.

  In the dishwasher 1 of the above embodiment, when the water level of the hot water storage tank 18 falls below the constant water level H1, water is supplied from the water valve 20. At this time, it is assumed that 2 L of water flows out of the hot water storage tank 18 by one operation of the rinsing pump 25 (6 seconds), and the capacity from the constant water level H1 to the security water level is 3 L. In this case, the water supply control unit 62 determines that the water in the hot water storage tank 18 does not drop to the safe water level even if the rinsing pump 25 is operated once from a state where water has accumulated to the constant water level H1, and the rinsing is performed. The control for stopping the operation of the water heater 22 need not be performed.

  Similarly, it is assumed that 4 L of water flows out of the hot water storage tank 18 by one operation (12 seconds) by the rinsing pump 25, and the capacity from the constant water level to the security water level is 3 L. In this case, the water supply control unit 62 determines that the water in the hot water storage tank 18 falls below the security water level when the rinsing pump 25 is operated once from a state where water has accumulated up to the constant water level H1. Therefore, the water supply control unit 62 does not stop the operation of the rinsing water heater 22 until the supply of 3 L (that is, 9 seconds) to the cleaning chamber R from the state where the water has accumulated to the constant water level H1. Is supplied to the cleaning room R (that is, 9 seconds or more), the water in the hot water storage tank 18 is determined to be lower than the security water level, and the operation of the rinsing water heater 22 is stopped. Thereafter, the water supply control unit 62 stops the operation of the rinsing water heater 22 until the water in the hot water storage tank 18 is restored to the constant water level H1 by the supply of the water from the water valve 20.

  With such control, in a state where the water level of the water stored in the hot water storage tank 18 is decreasing, the operation of the rinsing water heater 22 is not stopped immediately even when the water level reaches the constant water level H1. Thereby, the heating time by the rinsing water heater 22 can be lengthened.

<Modification 2>
In the first modification, the water supply control unit 62 measures the time for the water level to drop to the constant water level H1 from the start of the initial hot water supply step in the initial hot water supply mode, and based on the measured time, rinse water from the constant water level H1. The time required for the water level to drop to the security water level, which is a water level for preventing the heater 22 from being idle-fired, is predicted, and the timing for stopping the operation of the rinsing water heater 22 may be determined based on the predicted time. . The time may be measured by providing a timer or the like.

  With such control, the water supply control unit 62 determines the time required for the water level to decrease from the constant water level H1 to the security water level based on the actual measurement time required for the water level to decrease from the overflow water level H2 to the constant water level H1. Therefore, it is possible to reliably prevent the occurrence of empty heating by the rinsing water heater 22. Further, the water supply pressure from the water source when supplying water to the hot water storage tank 18 may vary depending on the installation location. In the second modification, the predicted time is calculated based on the actual water level lowering time. Therefore, the predicted time can be accurately calculated even if the water supply pressure changes, and idle heating by the rinsing water heater 22 occurs. Can be reliably avoided.

<Other modifications>
In the above-described embodiment and modified examples, in the initial hot water supply step, the example in which the second and subsequent rinsing pumps 25 are operated after the overflow water level H2 is reached has been described. The operation may be performed in a state where the overflow water level H2 is not reached as long as the safety water level or higher or the fixed water level or higher. Note that the arrival at the security water level may be detected by separately providing a detection unit that detects the security water level, or may be detected by calculating the arrival time to the security water level as in the above-described modification.

  When the arrival at the safe water level is detected, the water supply control unit 62 may stop the operation of the rinsing pump 25 until the water stored in the hot water storage tank 18 rises to the overflow water level H2. By increasing the operation interval, the amount of water stored in hot water storage tank 18 may be increased.

  In the above-described embodiment and modified examples, as an example of controlling the water level before the start of the cleaning operation, the initial hot water supply when the power switch is turned on is described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the present invention may be applied when the washing water in the washing tank 9 is replaced when the washing water in the washing tank 9 becomes excessively dirty. In this case, the overflow pipe 53 is removed from the washing tank 9 and all the water stored in the washing tank 9 is drained. For example, by pressing a replacement switch or the like arranged on the operation panel 3, the same operation as in the initial hot water supply step is performed. The operation is performed.

  In the above-described embodiment and modified examples, the example in which the cleaning tank 9 is discharged to the outside via the overflow pipe 53 has been described. However, for example, the cleaning tank 9 may be discharged by a drain pump controlled by the microcomputer 60, or the cleaning tank 9 may be discharged. It may be discharged by a drain electromagnetic valve which is disposed in a discharge pipe connected to the bottom surface and whose valve is opened and closed by the microcomputer 60.

  In the above embodiments and modifications, a so-called door-type dishwasher has been described as an example. However, the present invention is applied to a conveyor-type dishwasher that performs washing while transporting a rack for accommodating tableware D. It is also possible.

  The present invention may appropriately combine the above embodiment and other modified examples.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Dishwasher, 3 ... Operation panel, 3A ... Buzzer, 9 ... Wash tank, 18 ... Hot storage tank, 20 ... Water valve, 22 ... Rinse water heater, 23 ... Water temperature sensor, 25 ... Rinse pump, 53 ... Overflow pipe , 60: microcomputer, 60A: electrical box, 61: mode switching unit, 62: water supply control unit, 71: constant water level switch (first detection unit), 72: overflow switch (second detection unit), D: tableware (covered) (Washed material), R: washing chamber, H1: constant water level (first water level), H2: overflow water level (second water level).

Claims (7)

An initial hot water supply step of supplying water from the hot water storage tank to the cleaning tank by operating the rinsing pump, and a cleaning step of cleaning an object to be cleaned stored in the cleaning chamber using the water stored in the cleaning tank; A rinsing step of rinsing the object to be cleaned using water stored in a hot water storage tank,
A first detection unit that detects that the water stored in the hot water storage tank is at a first water level,
A second detection unit that detects that the water stored in the hot water storage tank is a second water level higher than the first water level,
A heater that heats water stored in the hot water storage tank when the water in the hot water storage tank is equal to or higher than the first water level , based on the presence or absence of detection in the first detection unit;
When the water in the hot water storage tank is at or above the first water level, the first mode that enables the start of the rinsing step, and when the water in the hot water storage tank is at or above the second water level, the start of the initial hot water supply step And when the water in the hot water storage tank is lower than the second water level, the water supplied to the hot water storage tank is waited for the water in the hot water storage tank to reach the second water level, and then the initial state is set. A control unit that switches between a second mode for starting the hot water supply process ,
The control unit, in the first mode, causes the supply of water to the hot water storage tank to be performed when there is no detection by the first detection unit, and to perform the supply to the hot water storage tank when there is detection by the first detection unit. A water valve is controlled so as to stop the supply of water, and in the second mode, when there is no detection by the second detection unit, the supply of water to the hot water storage tank is executed, and the detection by the second detection unit is performed. Controlling the water valve to stop the supply of water to the hot water storage tank when there is
The control unit starts the initial hot water supply step in the second mode when the water stored in the washing tank is below a specified water level, and when the initial hot water supply step is completed, the second mode switches to the first hot water supply step. Switch to mode, washing machine. The hot water storage tank further includes a notification unit that notifies that there is an abnormality in the supply unit that supplies water,
In the first mode, when the water in the hot water storage tank reaches the second water level, the control unit notifies the notification unit of an abnormality, and in the second mode, the water in the hot water storage tank The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit does not notify the abnormality even when the second water level is reached. Further comprising a third detection unit that detects that the water stored in the washing tank is above a specified water level,
The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the control unit executes the initial hot water supply step when there is no detection by the third detection unit.   The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the initial hot water supply step is performed by operating the rinsing pump a plurality of times.   The control unit, after starting the last operation in the plurality of operations of the rinsing pump, when the second detection unit does not detect the water, switch from the second mode to the first mode, The washing machine according to claim 4.   The control unit, when the rinsing pump is operating, stops the operation of the heater after a lapse of a predetermined time after the first detection unit no longer detects water. The washing machine according to claim 1.   The control unit measures a time when the water level falls to the first water level from the start of the initial hot water supply step in the second mode, and based on the measured time, empties the heater from the first water level. The washing machine according to claim 6, wherein a time required for the water level to drop to a security water level which is a water level for not firing is predicted, and a timing for stopping the operation of the heater is determined based on the predicted time.

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